Hermenuetics

Comments

It could be said that the Song of Songs is a romance novella right there in the middle of the Old Testament. I know many try to push it more away from the love story between husband and wife and push it more toward the allegory of love between Christ and the Church, but it's still very much a love story.

I've read Christian romance and secular romance. I prefer the books that are not overtly explicit in the sex scenes, there are some I've put down because the do border on pornographic and no matter how involved the romance story is I will not finish a book that makes me uncomfortable.

I have had seasons in my life where I feel God has called me to stop reading fiction of any sort, romance, mystery, classical. When I obey I usually find that these extra books have been crowding out my Bible reading and God is drawing me back to Him. When my priorities are back in line, I'm free to pick up a work of fiction for the pure enjoyment of reading.

Everyone loves a good story, I believe that is why even Christ taught in parables, good stories with a message.

Posted By: Kara Nutt | June 7, 2011 11:01 AM

"But unlike porn, which offers empty depravity, Christian romance stories offer something beautiful and hopeful and God-honoring: stories of people overcoming hurts and heartache and finding love."

Excellent and thoughtful post. Of course you are going to get vehemently disagreeing comments. However, it seems that you have thought about this deeply in coming to your conclusions, and that is admirable. Well done, Caryn.

Posted By: Robyn | June 7, 2011 12:29 PM

Thanks for giving an unbiased view of Christian romance. It seems if the secular world isn't telling us we're not really romance because we don't include sex scenes, we're getting slammed by Christians. Most of whom have never read a Christian romance!

Posted By: Lyn Cote | June 7, 2011 12:49 PM

Interesting take. I think I have to respectfully disagree, though. It's not so much that I believe that stock romance novels destroy marriages (maybe they do in some cases), but more so the vapidity of them that repels me. I just enjoy more challenging reads.

Then again, I like reading gothic romance novels like Anne Radcliffe's, which were all considered stock in their day.

Posted By: Nadine S | June 7, 2011 12:49 PM

Keep in mind, too, that if there are no stories, romance or not, that honor God, that hold up His truths and ideals, that show people trying to live their lives to honor Him, that show hope and love and salvation, what would be left?

Filth, hatred, unforgiveness, misery, meaninglessness and despair.

I don't want those things to be my only story choices.

Posted By: DeAnna Julie Dodson | June 7, 2011 1:55 PM

Seems like very talented rationalization to me.

Going to sleep being thankful to God for the gift of one's husband sounds to me like a better thing to do for a woman to do!

The problem with any "romance" stories, is that no real man, particularly the "flawed" husband can measure up to the fantasies of some woman who cannot appreciate what she has with a thankful heart!

Posted By: Gene Douglass | June 7, 2011 1:57 PM

Interesting.

Also, I suspect that some, not all, consumers of Christian romance may just be occasional book readers, so there's an "at least they're reading" factor here. And some of the Amish bestsllers are so hugely successful that I'll bet card-carrying evangelicals aren't the only ones buying. That's a good thing.

Posted By: Elizabeth | June 7, 2011 2:25 PM

You spoke about the affect on married women. But what about the single women or teenage/young adult women who read romance novels? Isn't this genre often feeding romantic illusions that married life is all about romance? Should she marry, she might be disappointed in her husband who, after all, is human and not a novel character?

Posted By: Laura K. Droege | June 7, 2011 2:28 PM

"The problem with any "romance" stories, is that no real man, particularly the "flawed" husband can measure up to the fantasies of some woman who cannot appreciate what she has with a thankful heart!"

This isn't the fault of the genre, however. A novel can't be blamed for the shortcomings of its readers, nor can the writer of that novel. To do so excuses personal responsibility. If I'm unhappy with my husband, and I bury myself in books with "perfect" men, then it is entirely my own fault if I start to neglect him or focus only on his "bad side". (Though one might ask why I am unhappy with him in the first place--marriage *is* a two-way street.)

*Everyone* needs to be self-aware enough to know what is and is not wise for them to read, not just women, and not just in relation to romance novels. I don't allow myself to watch certain TV shows and movies because of the way they emotionally affect me. In my 20's I started reading romances, mainly out of curiosity, and had to stop myself because I could tell they were giving me rose-colored glasses, so to speak, when it came to relationships. But I wold never make a blanket statement that those kinds of movies, or books, or TV shows are inherently bad, simply because they negatively affect me, or because they *might* negatively affect someone else. (Though I do believe there *are* some books/movies/TV shows that *are* inherently bad.)

[/soapbox] Thanks for the great post. :) I've never been to your blog before, and I'm eager to read more!

Posted By: Alison Strobel | June 7, 2011 2:46 PM

Excellent blog, Caryn! Thanks for presenting this issue so thoughtfully.

Posted By: Maggie Rowe | June 7, 2011 3:35 PM

I hope this is in context by the time I am done. I heard someone say recently, that people tend to want to control others when they themselves (or people around them) have issues with impulse control. Others have no problems with impulse control so they want less control on things that may be harmful because they do not have issues saying no when the things cross the line to being harmful. This was not a theological statement, so the person was not explicietly talking about sin, if they were, there would need to be a statement that all are sinners.

But I think this holds true in cases like this. Some say no one should drink or gamble or whatever because some will have issues with addition. Others, say setting up barriers just encourages people to rebel or hinders responsible use.

I think that is the case here. A little romance is probably good for us. Too much is probably bad. Making broad pronouncements about the level for everyone is probably the wrong response.

Posted By: Adam Shields | June 7, 2011 4:23 PM

I think the important distinction to remember here is that while a romance promises a happy ending, that does not--absolutely does not--mean the characters are perfect people. If my hero and heroine aren't believable, faulty, authentic people, readers simply won't buy into the story. Mack [the hero in Yukon Wedding] makes many mistakes. Characters hurt each other, act before thinking, etc. BUT they eventually learn and grow with God's help. They earn their happy ending by changing, by being changed by love. I believe that is a worthy example to hold up. I don't believe a good example creates in ungrateful heart--it encourages us to believe that a better relationship is possible.

Posted By: Allie Pleiter | June 7, 2011 4:38 PM

With all due regard... This may be the biggest load of bunk I've ever read in my life. (And that's saying something, too. I have a library of more than 15k volumes and have been a voracious reader since my youth.)

Many of the arguments the author marshalls in support of her view of the innocence of the "Romance" genre are used by men to justify their use of pornography. I know of no sane man who actually believes that the girl from the glossy page or gritty DVD screen will be awaiting him at home, either. (Quote: "Most women are smart enough to know that real life has no violins swelling behind the drop-dead-gorgeous hero professing love in a dramatic sunset..." etc. [Pleiter ])

And, as a pastor of 35 years, several of the women with relationship problems whom I have counseled have freely volunteered that their view of marriage has been shaped, in part, by novels and movies of this nature. The most honest statement I ever heard in this regard was from a young pastor's wife who, with her husband, serve a large and growing mega-church. In a series on the family, she took to the microphone to say that, when her husband had some years before confessed an episode of recurring temptation toward pornography, she had reacted in judgment and anger...until, some days later, as she was curled up in her favorite chair reading her most recent romance novel acquisition, the Spirit revealed that her reaction to THAT was nearly identical with what she most feared and hated in her husband's attraction to porn.

I don't know the author of this post. I presume her to be a woman of grace and noble character. But this post smacks a bit of the old saw that said women weren't capable of being attracted to or addicted by porn...a specious claim rendered incredible both by actual counseling experience and by recent polling.

Women as well as men need to hear the warning: "Guard your heart...it is the well-spring of life."

Posted By: S. Stanley | June 7, 2011 4:44 PM

S. Stanley has shared wise words.

Francine Rivers' book is based on the life of the Biblical prophet Hosea isn't it? I am a little amazed that it was placed alongside Yukon Wedding as the two romance novels you have read almost as if they are both of equal caliber.

I think the passage in Philippians that tells us to think right thoughts begin with "Whatever is true". Truth has to be the first criterea for our thoughts, the filter through which we sift our thinking. I need to ask myself, is what I am thinking the truth or are my emotions leading me into deceit? I know from experience, it is very easy to be deceived, and it begins with incorrect thinking.

In the past novels have made publishers a lot of money.
I get that publishers want to sell books. I would urge all of you to write books that are true, that matter and that lead your reader to the Truth. Because what you write matters greatly. What you write should help your reader think thoughts that provide a lovely dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. I hope my sisters here will think on these things before they react and spew. (In all humility) Let's keep our conversation, regardless of our view, as one that glorifies God.

Posted By: Chanda Lere | June 7, 2011 5:38 PM

S. Stanley - honest question - the women (especially the pastor's wife you are referring to) - were they reading _Christian_ romance or were they reading Harlequin/bodice-ripper etc romances? There is a huge, huge, huge, difference between the two and people continually lump them together. In fact many women don't even know that there is such a thing as Christian romance books, so when they say "I was convicted of reading romance books" we have no idea if they were talking about ones with graphic love scenes or with none at all.

For my general response:

I'm learning that too often people are not qualifying if they are talking _specifically_ about Christian romance or romance in general. Awhile back a lady offered up on Freecycle a bag of romance books and she claimed that most of the books were Christian romance. I was so excited. I spent quite a bit of time driving out to her place only to get home and go through the bag and be rather sad - what she claimed was "clean" etc... wasn't. Maybe a 1/4th of them came from Love Inspired or Heartsong - the mass majority of them were from Harlequin. Why she was saying that most of them were clean? I have no clue, but a bunch of books ended up in the trash that day.

I just realized something - most of the folks who also say bad things about Christian Romance Fiction don't have any idea what the guidelines are. Yep, there are guidelines that must be adhered too, at least for these two publishers:

http://www.barbourbooks.com/pages/downloads/bpi_heartsongpresents_guidelines.pdf

http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=559&chapter=0

I enjoy a good Christian romance novel. I don't read them exclusively because I like to have a wide range of books I read. I also won't read them when I'm feeling dissatisfied with the fact that I'm still single. But what I do enjoy about them is getting a glimpse into the Greatest Romance of all. And since I have yet to read a Christian romance that had a "perfect" hero or heroine I've read many stories about people overcoming sin, flaws, past hurts, and regrets and growing in their relationships with each other and with Christ.

Posted By: Leslie | June 7, 2011 5:40 PM

I have no comment as to whether "romance novels" are pornographicm, or rather they contribute to the breakup of marriages. However, as I lood back upon the breakup on my marriage, it was the Christian books which described what a "Christian" husband ought to be, what the "Christian" family ought to be that contributed to my disappointment and displeasure in my marriage 30 years ago. I don't blame them of course, because I certainly could have done more that I did do at the time, but in all this conversation about "romance" novels and what they contribute or don't contriubte, I was compelled to say that some of the same "vibes" come from "Christian" nonfiction relating to marriage and husband and wife relations.

Posted By: cheryl howland | June 7, 2011 5:56 PM

I am not a romance fan, by any means; my personal tastes lie elsewhere. That being said, I have read the occasional romance. I am unsure why this genre is being singled out for specific censure: perhaps because it is more popular (and thus more profitable) than others in the CBD market?

For example, I actually prefer mysteries/crime novels. I read a lot of them, both secular and inspirational. If I'm folding laundry, I'll tend to watch a police procedural over a sitcom/romcom. Crime novels, books, and movies are all often unrealistic, sometimes in the amount of violence and sexual depravity involved, more often due to the efficiency and abilities of the investigators. The heroes (male and female) often have some superior "ability" or lab facility that is far from commonplace in the real world, unlimited time and resources to solve the crime, and nab the criminal (with accompanying fireworks) in a short period of time. Trials may even occur quickly (rather than the months and years they take in real life).

There is even a term for the unresonable expectations real-life juries may have toward police investigation: the CSI effect. To quote the NPR article I just linked to, "Donald Shelton, the chief judge of Washtenaw County, Mich., is skeptical. He began to notice that reports about the CSI Effect were long on anecdote, and short on data...." You can read the results of the study at the Nat. Institute of Justice website, which shows that even though jurors are more aware of CSI-like evidence, there was no correlation between TV-watching habits and hypothetical conviction rates. As Shelton states in the NPR interview, "Blaming CSI or any television show is just too simplistic. It's much bigger than that."

My point? All fictional genres are based on unreality and unreal presentations of the world, whether it be romance, military suspense, mystery, or science fiction. There is always a danger of being sucked into unreality and making unreasonable expections of life, whether that be in terms of a spouse, a job, or any other life experience. I fully understand that certain situations may be a danger to the reader/viewer. I myself have certain reading/viewing standards. To ban an entire genre, though, and one which a number of godly women use as a means of coping with the demands of a life devoted to God, church, and family, seems a bit like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. No doubt there are people who have been harmed by fiction. To claim it is all bad, though, requires more than sweeping generalization and anecdote. For the Christian, I'd say there needs to be Scriptural evidence and consistency, for the verse "Guard your heart" is a phrase that can refer to a number of idols we put up in our hearts, including "godly" activities like serving the Church or even reading the Bible (as I recall, there are a number of hunks and scandals in there, too).

Finally, let us remember that anything we place before God in our lives is sinful, even good things, and anything that threatens to tear apart the relationships we have with fellow believers may be destructive.

Posted By: Michelle R. Wood | June 7, 2011 5:59 PM

I wouldn't call a clean romance novel porn (there are many explicit romance novels that I would equate with it however), yet there is one thing I have seen in my own life when I've read a lot of romance novels. I have gotten a deep sense of discontentment because my life doesn't seem measure up to the adventure, relationship, and even spiritualness of the characters in the book. I read a lot, and the funny thing is, I ONLY seem to experience this frustating dissatisfaction when I have read certain Christian romance novels.

I think it's probably more of a Christian liberty issue than anything else. We each have strengths and weaknesses in different areas, and because of that we are each more prone to sin in one particular area or another.

So my advice is to those who read.... Know yourself. If you are finding certain types of novels leave you feeling a sense of discontentment deep in your soul, then maybe it's time to move to a different genre. And if not, then just read away and be thankful that you they do not affect you in this way.

Posted By: Melissa G. | June 7, 2011 7:09 PM

I think I may have to respectfully disagree as well here, although not with everything.

While I think that many romance novels (specifically those written with a purpose to show love in a relationship that exists to glorify God) are neither pornographic nor purely escapist, I've seen a tendency to conflate these stories to an idealism that cannot exist.

The "Philippians 4:8" test may only work if we allow ourselves to have a temporal, limited view of things like nobility and loveliness. Sure, the perfectly romantic setting with a Godly man sounds great -- as does hundreds of pages leading up to it, but it still comes off as a fantasy that is meant to manipulate the emotions instead of shine light on something that is truer than romance.

Meanwhile I fully expect a man who would never watch porn to have unrealistic, yet wholesome-sounding, fantasies of women that are not helpful nor true. Ever hear a young, single man wish for a wife that would always have dinner ready and a cheerful smile when he gets home from work? It sounds pure, and noble -- yet also rather unrealistic and quite self-serving.

Romance novels may not (always) be emotional porn, but they still tend to create a fantasy that is disguised as reality. It might be more easy to liken them to the rowdy bro-coms that have come out recently -- where the schlubby loser gets beautiful women to throw themselves at him for no apparent reason. Equally unrealistic, and just as emotionally manipulative, but usually without the outright nudity. That doesn't make them any better.

Posted By: Justin | June 7, 2011 8:05 PM

Caryn, from the link of the title of this article, I thought you were going to comment on Danielle Steel and the like... I picked up a "romance novel" (not Steel) in college while it sat on the shelf at WalMart, casually opened up a page and encountered a scene more graphic than Playboy.

But I see you're talking about Christian romance novels. Different grouping altogether, right? Their purpose is different. Sappy at times, often disposable, but they are well-intended. They may make the Christian arts movement gripe like a critic staring at a Thomas Kinkade gallery, but they are what they are.

I can see many who have a problem with these are many who have a problem with fiction in general. We lack metaphorical intelligence for poetic truth.

Posted By: Dale Fincher | June 7, 2011 11:20 PM

I liked Michelle's comment above about mystery/crime novels. In junior high, I read a lot of murder mysteries until one day, I realized that it made me callous toward real-life murders. I heard about one on the news and thought, "Big deal. Only one person was killed." Shocked at my reaction, I stopped reading them. I think one problem was that most don't deal with the emotions of those left behind. A friend's son was murdered in the past year or so, and I've seen her grief; for me, I can't read murder mysteries because of this.

Posted By: Laura K. Droege | June 8, 2011 6:31 AM

It's wise to make the point that there's a distinct difference between secular bodice-ripping novels and Christian romance books. Sex before marriage vs. waiting til marriage, etc.

But if we're putting too much time and energy into the Christian novel instead of investing it in ourselves and our relationships and our time with God, maybe we should pause and evaluate if indulging is keeping us from taking care of business that needs to be addressed.

And yes, more and more women who love the Lover of their souls are getting pulled into the web of pornography - often by what they read ...

Posted By: Linda Stoll | June 8, 2011 7:30 AM

Pardon my involvement in your ongoing dialog / conversation as a member of the opposite sex, but I don't think you have rightly understood Dr. Moore. I don't believe he was saying that romance novels are bad because they are all like Nora Roberts or Danielle Steel.

I think his point was that the focus of romance novels is the same for women in the same way that the visual propensity of pornography is for men in that it redirects the longings that were meant to be satisfied either in the individual's relationships with their spouse, or were to remain longings such that we look to, cling to, and lean upon Christ to do that in our own marriages.

I know he wasn't saying fiction is evil because he just wrote a post on how he went to see several movies with his with and kids.

Graphic Romance Novels and Pornography might be classified together by Christians as off-limits, but we easily find ourselves tempted and tried in other ways when we look to be satiated or gratified in a "clean" romantic fantasy or in gazing upon the beauty of "clothed" women in a sustained environment.

I think the point Dr. Moore was trying to make, which I agreed with, is that in both instances, the perversion of pornography and the transfer of contentment by living through proxy through the lives of the characters, is that in both cases, the "hope deferred" which makes our hearts sick is trying to be medicated apart from Jesus. (I don't mean curling up with a good book) Instead, we might end up looking for a "way out" of the trauma of our own situation, not being loved very well, not feeling special, the intensity of life, and they both turn into escapism.

Instead of finding the "way out of temptation" that God has provided for each and every one of us, and recognizing that Jesus will either cause the desires of our hearts (the ones that are in accord with his will) to be worked out the way we expect, or he will change our desires to desire what He desires, or he may not give us our heart's desires to see if He alone is enough for us, even if we don't receive what is really and truly good.

I still enjoying curling up with a good book, and goodness, I know Dr. Moore does too, but anything great or small, innocuous or pernicious has the potential to draw our affections away from Christ and into other "more wishful" worlds of reality.

And what has really convicted me, is that it can boil down into a heart of accusation against God as to why things are the way they are. And Job, Paul, and Jonah serve as a good lesson to us all! Lol. In Christ, Aaron

Posted By: Aaron | June 8, 2011 11:21 AM

Well said, Aaron.

Posted By: Laura Droege | June 8, 2011 12:54 PM

I've read some good 'romance' novels, and some not so great ones. On the border...Only those relating to deeper secular issues appear to flirt with 'porn' boundary. Otherwise, I actually own several excellent Christian romances. Very well written; almost like watching a family-friendly movie. Nothing inappropriate, and a decent 'escape' if you would. What woman (married or single) doesn't appreciate a little adventure? As long as the material does not compromise nor conflict Spiritually, it's fine.

I feel it's more about the adventure, entertainment value of a good novel, than fussing so much over Boundary aspects. But, that's just me.

Posted By: Peanut | June 8, 2011 1:36 PM

Perhaps I'm a bit bias because Allie Pleiter is my friend and because I am an author of Christian fiction. I write both women's fiction and romance--stories with layers that involve flawed characters who find healing and forgiveness at the Cross.
In my opinion, secular romance stories, where there are hardly any lines drawn as to what is appropriate, can border on porn in written form. I do not read them because I don't want my mind filled with thoughts that are not excellent before God. I have a hard enough time with that without help from my leisure-time reading.
I want to write stories about romance that bring in the greatest romance of all. God coming to us as our Betrothed. We are still waiting for our Bridegroom, Jesus, and that is under that umbrella I present my stories.
By the way, I am a single woman, but I am not writing romance into my stories to make up for lack of what I don't have, nor do I see the romance stories I read in that way. I can't speak for everyone, and to lump everyone who reads romance into one group is not accurate.
I hope Caryn, the article's author, reads more than Allie's books, which are great stories, and sees for herself the plethora of Christian romance titles, from historical to contemporary. A good place to find good Christian fiction reading is at American Christian Fiction Writer's Fiction Finder website at www.fictionfinder.com. You can search for authors or titles of books or new releases among other things.
This is a great topic and I'm glad it's out there for discussion.

Posted By: Pamela Meyers | June 8, 2011 1:37 PM

As a teenager, I read Danielle Steele books, hiding them under my bed so my parents wouldn't see them. They were definitely a bad influence on my view of romance. How I wish I'd been reading Christian romances all those years!

I let my tween daughter read Karen Kingsbury, Allison Pittman, Robin Jones Gunn, Sandra Bryd, etc ... because she gets to see the consequences of pre-marital sex, or how hard marriages are to keep together, or how marriage is about dying to self and serving your mate.

This does not give her an unrealistic view of romance, but a MUCH more realistic view than she'd going to find in any other media.

Also, we need to be careful about the correlations we draw on this issue. One false statement is to say, "Because I read romance novels, I will have unrealistic expectations about romance." I might read a mystery book where something happens on a cruise ship. This does not translate into setting expectations for if I should ever be so blessed to go on a cruise. I'm not going to step of the boat scratching my head and wondering why there wasn't a murder to solve.

Jesus told stories. Why? Because people tend to remember more from stories than from lectures. Why do I write Christian fiction? Because I want to share God's love and forgiveness, the story of the Gospel in a potentially new way to a reader. My novel, The Familiar Stranger, isn't classified as a romance, but the relationship between the man and woman and their God is definitely a huge part of the story.

Ultimately, any story about God is a romance. Read on, people!

Posted By: Christina Berry Tarabochia | June 8, 2011 2:06 PM

I don't think that "appreciating a little adventure" is wrong, any more than enjoying the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis when he depicts Light vs. Darkness, and the Grand Storyline of Scripture. But Lewis' characters always point toward something grander than the thrill of "little adventures". The evil in our desires often do not lie so much in the things that we want, so much as in the fact that we want them too much, or before their time. I am a married man. I can speak to having been single, and also being married, and I can safely say that I have been blessed by a having a godly wife who finds "all things permissible, but not all things beneficial" in that she chose before I came along to no longer read Christian romance fiction.

I very much appreciate that, in the same way many of you ladies would no doubt appreciate men who would tear up their front row seat tickets to the high school girl's volleyball / swim team.

Are either of these things inherently sinful? No. I don't think so. But I think they lend towards either temptation, capitulation (giving in / up too easily), or having too low expectations.

There is a cosmic battle going on out there between Christ and His Kingdom against the powers of the prince of the air. Husband and Wife, male and female singles, young and old, are submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, and walking in their roles as Husband / Captain and Wife / Suitable Helper.

I've never seen nor heard of a romance novel that by design does not cause a young lady to be tempted to compare. Ask yourselves ladies--as my wife would say--are you not tempted to desire more of the men in your life? Are you not already tempted to want to step in to make things right if they are wrong?

If romance novels cause you to crave humble dependence upon God through trust in Christ in the day-to-day affairs of your life, in such a way that you are more able to gently and kindly speak your piece with your husband when you have a disagreement and then submit to his God-designed responsibility to loving lead you, then one of my main reasons for concern do not apply to you personally.

But I would imagine, that for the vast majority of us, anything that distorts or embellishes God's design for us his children--even in a fallen world--is at best a distraction, and at worse, something that has the power to disappoint you as you compare yourself with the heroine, and yearn for your current or future husband to romance your heart like that hero of your choice.

I plead with you ladies, look to Christ for the satisfaction that your heart desires, and guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life.

Blessings in Christ,
Aaron

Posted By: Aaron | June 8, 2011 2:26 PM

Interesting discussion all around. I have found that a lot of women read secular romances without thinking twice about it. Even wives of pastors. My theory has always been that maybe they longed for a relationship with the man they love, but his mistress is the church and he's never home (that's an over-generalization, but you hear what I'm saying?) I find it ironic, then, that some Christians think reading Christian romance is wrong. Maybe they haven't read any Christian romance. They would see that most stories are about a whole lot more than romance, but also include ways of resolving conflict, learning to communicate and forgive, and also how to have emotional intimacy. That said, when I read a Christian romance, I am always looking at the relationship between the characters. Is there sexual tension? I hope there would be some attraction or there would be no reason for the two people to pursue each other for anything more than friendship. I like realistic romances that show people struggling against what the world says is good, but all Christians know is really wrong. I learn a lot from reading different novels and I have seen few that were boring or "vapid" as someone previously described. I read fast, and I read for the heart of the story. I'd say about 75% of the Christian romances out there are really good and worth reading for the spiritual lessons as well as all of the things I'd mentioned above. They can be great tools for teaching people about communication through the power of a story...and so much more. I've never read a Christian romance (even more sensual ones) that made me think unrealistically about marriage or made me want to go out and do something bad. However, if I read secular romances all the time I can't say that it wouldn't influence my world view. Why? Because in just about every one of them sex outside of marriage is considered good and desirable. Why not offer fiction to readers that shows that waiting for marriage is good and desirable and how to avoid situations that will make you fall into something that is not in God's plan for you life or your marriage (present or future.) Anyway, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. Hehehe...

Posted By: Michelle Sutton | June 8, 2011 2:38 PM

Equating a romance novel with porn is, to me, silly. A romance novel is just the reading woman's entertainment.
Instead of watching TV, I'm reading a book. So if my romance novel is porn then so is American Idol and NCIS.
One of the hallmarks of modern romance is strong women. Accomplished women.
Porn turns a woman into an object.
Romance novel heroines are always, even if they're troubled, characters worthy of respect. And the novels demand that the men and women respect each other as they fall in love and support each other.
I don't really know enough about porn to make much of an argument but from what I do know, the two are completely different.
To turn this to Christian romance, the books, because they don't celebrate graphic, unmarried sex, focus on the emotional connection between characters. A 180 degree turn from porn.

Posted By: Mary Connealy | June 8, 2011 2:38 PM

Again, I'm a man, so I don't know all the "rules" of communication, and often blow it when trying to communicate my "point(s)".

All that to say, I hear / see a lot of conversation and communication about why romances novels can be / should be / may be tolerated, embraced, justified, (Christian liberty / Entertainment) but not as much talk about Christ and his Word.

Fiction is not a prerequisite to a healthy relationship with one's spouse, single friends, or learning in general for that matter. Fiction certainly can be a helpful tool in the right hands and for the right reason(s), but more of the substance of the conversations here seem to self-(or genre)justifying as opposed to intimacy with Christ.

What I do here is a lot of conversation about supporting a medium as a means for drawing closer to Christ. But not just any medium. A medium specifically tailored toward titillating the senses of women towards emotional fulfillment, again, APART from Christ. Or, if not apart from Christ, I hear many of you--not all of you--saying that romance novels are essentially honing you towards receiving fulfillment through a pre-digested form of packaging more so than I hear anyone mentioning God's Word or his people. (I.E. Real relationships)

Just as none of you would likely have your children watch a reality TV show on MTV or even TBN so as to prepare them for the "real world", romance novels should be no different.

Entertainment.. An interesting word. Not found in God's Word, but neither is the concept ignored either. Certainly it doesn't occupy the prominence that it does now in our culture, but it IS there.

Porn does objectify women and present them to men, but it also is, by definition, a cheap form of entertainment designed to stimulate the senses of men AWAY from God's best for them. It is a tactic of the world, flesh, and devil to DRAW men AWAY from Christ and his best for them to "be a man, be strong" and to lead, love, shepherd, and be courageous. Essentially, what every woman wants!

Romance novels, especially those written by women not seeking to glorify God in all that they think, say, do, or write, have the propensity to allure, captivate, and seduce the heart. Do they not? Doesn't your heart burn within you as the heroine enters into the climax of the book? Of course it does. What is the content of the climax?

Christian romance novels, on the other hand, may not even present sex at all, but the question is all wrong.

It's not about how much or how little the word or concept of sex, romance, captivation, or satisfaction is found in these novels that many of you read or write, the question is, Does it draw you closer to Christ, your husband if you have one, does it make you admire Christ and your husband MORE, or leave you fancifully hoping that one day he will say the things you have read, and treat you in the way you want to be treated?

Does it cause you to love the Lord your God will all of your HEART, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself, and does it cause you to dream about whatever is good, noble, true, and if so, does it cause you to want to be a Titus 2 woman who loves her husband and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to your own husband, that the word of God may not be reviled? If so, then again, this is not for you.

But there is a difference--I sadly know from experience--from toeing the line, and seeking headlong after Christ and the fellowship of His sufferings.

God is a good Father who knows what you need. He's not going to give you a snake when you ask for a fish, neither is he going to give you a stone when you ask for bread. Your Father knows you need these things. Trust in Christ, and your Father's love, and wait upon the Lord, not in romance novels.

Blessings in Christ,
Aaron

Posted By: Aaron | June 8, 2011 3:35 PM

Aaron, you ask, "Does it draw you closer to Christ, your husband if you have one, does it make you admire Christ and your husband MORE?"

YES! I fear that you are speaking out of ignorance, but with a good heart. God has clearly and passionately called many of us to write Christian fiction--which means He would call people to read it.

Not only have I heard from many readers about how my novel awakened their faith, or showed them a path to forgiveness, or made them be more transparent in their marriage, but God used the process of writing to draw me closer to Him, to find my value in being his child when rejection after rejection rolled in before finding a publisher, to support other writers in their success and form a sort of family with Christians across the nation who also have been called to write.

To say that reading Christian fiction is to take away from one's relationship with Christ is wrong on so many levels. (It has the potential to, but does not mandate it.) No book, other than the Bible, has effected my Christian walk than Francine River's A Voice in the Wind.

While you may have certain boundaries and ideas about entertainment for your own life, others may have different, yet just as legitimate and righteous boundaries. I hope that if a woman answers your initial question I quoted at the beginning of this comment with a resounding YES, that you will encourage her to keep reading!

Posted By: Christina Berry Tarabochia | June 8, 2011 4:24 PM

Aaron, I'm going to try to answer your question as it pertains to me - please note that I am specifically referring to books that are written by Christians who have seeked God in their writing.

"Does it cause you to love the Lord your God will all of your HEART, soul, mind, and strength"

Yes, it does. Books don't come out of thin air. Books help to encourage people to think outside of the box. While the CBA does have pretty strict guidelines as to what is allowed books can help us realize the ways that God loves us. If an author talks about a struggle that is resolved or a blessing that occurs usually that hasn't come out of thin air - if the author herself (or himself) didn't experience it then they know someone who did. The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers was the first Christian fiction book I ever read. I was in college at the time - a good portion of it has to do with people trying to force a rape victim to have an abortion. It helped to open my eyes to realize how hypocritical some Christians can truly be. I didn't know until recently that one of the reasons why the abortion theme was so prevalent through the book is because Rivers herself had an abortion at an early age. She was able to show, in story form, why people shouldn't have abortions, and has probably helped to shape the opinions of millions of readers.

"and love your neighbor as yourself, "

The beauty about books is that authors come from all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs. Then they create characters from all sorts of back grounds and beliefs - which makes that person more sympathetic and helps us to realize that they are in need of mercy too - because we can see inside their head and understand why they think/feel/believe as they do. Take Sharlene McLaren's book "Long Journey Home" - McLaren used very difficult issues; alcoholism, spousal abuse, and divorce and crafted a well written tale with a beautiful Christ-like response to everything. People who read that book will understand why the woman getting beaten "doesn't just leave her husband" and gives people an idea that maybe the alcoholic-lazy man might have lost his family in a tragic car accident. Books and their authors help to humanize people.

"cause you to dream about whatever is good, noble, true,"

Why yes, because it helps me TO DREAM. Not dream about things that I shouldn't (I can do that without reading any books thank you very much) but in doing things that I can - such as Jenny B. Jones book "Save the Date" in which the heroine operates a homeless shelter for teenage girls. While reading the book God started percolating in my heart a dream for a ministry that it really looks like He is calling me to. While He could have triggered that dream any number of ways - He used her book to do so.

"does it cause you to want to be a Titus 2 woman who loves her husband and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to your own husband, that the word of God may not be reviled? "

I'm not married. I'm also the product of what many call a "broken home" and I was never really privy to seeing how a good marriage should be. And while, as an adult I am learning by observing my close friends who do seem to have stable marriages; there's only so much I can learn. That's why some books like Megan DiMaria's book "Searching For Spice" can be intriguing because its a book about a woman romancing her husband because their marriage was drying up. It helped me to understand a few more of the issues and pitfalls that many of my friends probably experience but would never talk about, especially to a single friend. It helps me be a better friend to them and helps to prepare me in case I ever do get married.

I will say this - I am the same Leslie who commented earlier that if I'm in a time frame when I am sad that I'm not still married I won't read romance books. But its not the romance books fault - at the same time I don't like to hear anyone talking about their husbands or their children, etc... But then I remember that most of my friends are jealous of me because I don't have the restrictions they do, and God usually reminds of other little things that gets me to get out of my selfish funk and go on with the next thing I'm supposed to be doing.

People seem to think that Christian fiction and Christian romance are relatively new issues. They really aren't. Story telling has been around since probably shortly after the fall (and we never know, God may have been using stories to teach Adam and Eve even before the fall). People are fascinated about love and romance (and as has been said many times here - they should be since God initiated all of it) and want to explore it. Can it get perverted? Yes. Should there be a blanket statement made that says its all wrong? No.

Posted By: Leslie | June 8, 2011 4:35 PM

@Christina - Oh my "A Voice in the Wind" - yes that book is life-changing for sure!

Posted By: Leslie | June 8, 2011 4:38 PM

@Leslie, I read it during the "WWJD" fad and I began to ask myself instead, "What would Hadassah do?" That book made me so hungry to be a woman after God's own heart!

I can piggyback on something else you touch upon. There are certain seasons when we shouldn't be reading certain subjects or themes and we need to be open to listening to God on that. After my husband left me and we divorced, I read a novel that made me incredibly sad because of its subject matter. It wasn't a book that made me focus on the pure, true, and noble things at that time. Yet that book touched many lives that were at a different point. It was my focus and personal pain that made it a negative for me. Not the book's fault. Good point!

Posted By: Christina Berry Tarabochia | June 8, 2011 5:31 PM

I must confess, I have been reading some books that have made me seriously dissatisfied with my life. In one, this sweet girl, after being widowed very young, meets a handsome, wealthy farmer who provides for her family and eventually falls in love with her and they live happily ever after. Why can't my husband be a wealthy farmer? (sigh)

Another one was about this king who chose a minority race commoner to be a queen. Lots of political intrigue in this one. Very exciting! I don't want to give it away, but the queen totally saved the day. Why can't anything that interesting happen in my life?

Still another was about love at first sight! The hero was so knocked out when he first saw the heroine that he composed and recited poetry! Why can't someone feel that way about me????

All right, all right, none of those were Christian romance novels... They are, of course, the stories of Ruth, Esther, and Eve, respectively. Romance, adventure, poetry, beautiful princesses and heroic (and poetry-spouting!) men- they're all there in the Bible! If God didn't want us to read, nay, celebrate, this sort of thing, would it have been included in his grand story?

You know what you don't find in the Bible? Porn.

Just sayin'.

Posted By: Anonymous | June 8, 2011 5:58 PM

Woops! The above comment was me. I forgot to sign in.

Posted By: Jenny E | June 8, 2011 6:00 PM

And, by the way, I'm not really disappointed that my husband isn't a wealthy farmer. At least, not half as disappointed as he is....at least about the wealthy part! ;)

Posted By: Jenny E | June 8, 2011 6:02 PM

I note that several of the negative remarks seem to be coming from men who worry about the novels fostering unrealistic expectations. I read Christian romances by Grace Livingston Hill and Janette Oaks as a teenager, and most of these stories END with the marriage. They are not about marriage per se, but rather about the courtship leading up to it, and that is an important distinction.

In our sex-saturated culture, our Christian girls need Christian romances that will show them what a godly courtship looks like. I'm sure some of the newer romances may take place after marriage, but the ones I remember (and still recommend) provide a Christ-centered view of how a couple should interact before marriage, and in many of Hill's novels, what kind of man a Christian girl should look for in the first place.

Posted By: Anne | June 8, 2011 7:08 PM

I think those who have brought up the Songs of Solomon make a point worth discussing. If we disapprove of books because they're titillating, what about the Songs? The Songs are a visual and sensual feast where a man and woman basically drool over each other's bodies....

From a Christian perspective, all of history is one giant romance - we are God's bride and he is the bridegroom. The Bible revisits this metaphor again and again, whether it is Hosea and Gomer in the Old Testament or Christ himself in the new.

I don't generally read Christian romances because I'm a book snob, as I hinted earlier, but I would lie if I said say I didn't find Pride and Prejudice emotionally - and intellectually - titillating, among other classic literature. Of course P&P is fundamentally about a flawed hero and heroine. Flaws in the man and woman in Songs of Solomon, though? I've yet to find them. Instead, they're portrayed as the epitome of male and female sexiness.

"for I am faint with love.
His left arm is under my head,
and his right arm embraces me."

If that doesn't describe the very picture of the front cover of that romance novel above, I don't know what does.

Posted By: Nadine S. | June 8, 2011 7:49 PM

Jenny, I get what you are saying, but there is one flaw in your reasoning. You compare the writing of fiction romance with the truth stories of Scripture. It is a bit dangerous to put fiction alongside Scripture and claim because romance is contained in Scripture that fiction romance is of equal value. It is not of equal value nor is it inspired or God-breathed. I do get your point that Scripture contains wonderful romantic stories. I just think you carried it one step too far. =) God bless you.

Posted By: Chanda | June 8, 2011 10:29 PM

It is not dangerous but necessary to compare all literature to God's Word. It will never, of course, even at its best, be more than a dim reflection of our Father's magnum opus. We will never attain the holiness we are called to, but we must still strive to imitate, in our feeble way, the Creator. I'm not saying romance novels, even Christian ones, are great art or great theology. But most of the objections here are not genre or gender-specific. There are two basic issues: One is a basic fear that we are somehow ungrateful for what we have been given if we dare to imagine the ideal. But we know the Fall broke everything, not just our relationship with God, but our relationships to one another, to the earth, to art. We have a God-given yearning for the unbroken might-have-been. Sure, it can be perverted when we look to selfish methods of redemption rather than the Redeemer, but the desire, the quest, is a holy longing.

Then there is the more pragmatic issue of narrative writing only including interesting or meaningful details, as opposed to real life with all it's awkward pauses and tedium. This is a necessity of narrative however, even in the Bible, which is what I was trying to point out with my silly illustration. We don't read about, say, the day Ruth and Boaz decided to build a new barn, or whether or not Eve had a belly button, or when Esther had Mordecai over for tea and nothing very interesting happened. Those are not important details because they don't convey the theme that God loves us deeply and wholeheartedly and he is coming to redeem us. The tension and balance between thematic focus and verisimilitude is an important factor in good art. If a reader cannot accept the conventions of good writing without mistaking them for the" conventions" of real life, then we must be more diligent about education in the arts.

Posted By: JennyE | June 9, 2011 12:23 AM

Story is God's invention. Story was Jesus's (and still is) primary teaching tool. Whatever book you read, if it hinders your relationships (with God and people) then quit reading it.

I've found God can use most any genre to speak to me if my heart is open to hearing from Him.

If what I am reading (or watching or whatever I'm putting into my brain and emotions) leads me away from God and my family/friends then I need to cut that out of my life.

I am not particularly drawn to Christian romance novels (or any romance novels -- I don't mind if there is a romance part of the story - -just not the focus of the story) but God used one in 1993 to speak to my heart while I was stationed in Somalia, Africa. It was sent to me in the mail by my step grandmother at the time. The only reason I read it is because my reading material was very limited.

It was a silly book but God really really used it.

A couple summers ago God used a kid book to speak to me. And when I am needing some hope my 11 year old and I read The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo (what a great story -- better than the movie).

This comes down to you and God. Once we start putting rules on what people can read, once we start slamming all forms of a certain genre we are being religious.

The huge difference between romance novels and the porn industry is that no matter what the consumer's response is, the porn industry is objectifying women and children for other people's lust (and not always just men) even before any consumer gets involved. There is no redeemable quality from the porn industry. When people compare books with it they are in a way excusing the porn industry.

Posted By: Jane Hinrichs | June 9, 2011 9:14 AM

@ Chandra and Aaron,
If taking the "whatever is true" command completely literally, that would preclude the reading of ANY AND ALL FICTION. Do you live up to that standard? The ONE AND ONLY book you read is the bible? Maybe some non-fiction written by Christians only?

If so, I feel really sad for you. There is so much great literature in the world that you are missing! Most of which includes "romantic" interactions between men and women. Why? Because that is real life! Romance is a foundation of human existence! I simply can't find anything wrong with reading about that with a critical eye, deconstructing with regard to theme, plot, setting, character, context, etc. It seems incredible to me to condemn all fiction as a genre.

It's important to read critically, with any book.

The point of fiction is that one can write anything that one can imagine. The author is not restricted by the literal "truth." That's what makes fiction so interesting. In addition, I can extend the story in my own head, expanding on the lives of the characters. It's so fun! I don't believe it as dishonoring to God. Or else Christians should never be English majors!

I suppose "Christian Romance" would fall into the same category as any sub-genre for me. Read critically and with awareness. If for some reason the book is causing you to "stumble," don't read it.

But to condem others who do? I've got a problem with that. Who are you to judge on a topic that is not clearly dilineated in scripture? Only God knows the heart of a person. "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." (1 Corinthians 10:23) Choose the things that are beneficial FOR YOU because these things ARE permissible.

To be honest, I really don't care what anyone except God thinks about my reading material. If I feel peaceful about it in my heart, random others on a blog can condemn me all they like, and it won't make a difference.

Posted By: Robyn | June 9, 2011 11:46 AM

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Romans 14:1-33

If no one knows what someone is reading, it won't be a "stumbling block" for another believer. What I have downloaded to my Kindle is not going to be a problem for Aaron or Chandra because they don't know. If a believer asks for guidance from another believer, by all means they should discuss it.

Posted By: Anonymous | June 9, 2011 11:59 AM

A most excellent article! Thank you for writing the truth about Christian romance.

Posted By: Rachel Wilder | June 9, 2011 12:08 PM

The debate becomes totally irrelevant when recognizing that romance books are crap.

Posted By: emily | June 9, 2011 1:38 PM

Christian fiction authors DO NOT ENCOURAGE PORN!!!!!! I blog for these wonderful Christian authors and they write from their heart! God calls the husband to be the Spiritual leader of his home, and if he isn't doing that then that is his FAULT, not the wife's! In Christian Romance someone is broken and there is healing involved. God is always shown as the ultimate source of healing and direction. If a wife uses a Christian novel to base her marriage on then she's looking in the wrong place. You can't blame the authors! God gave us free will, that is quite evident in Genesis when He placed Adam and Eve in the garden. Eve handed the fruit to Adam who didn't stop her, and look at where we are now. I challenge you to read one of their books - try Julie Lessman's Boston of Daughter's series before you start judging! These people are very dear to me and to say what you have said is just plain WRONG!!!!!!!

Posted By: Andi | June 9, 2011 1:48 PM

Robyn, I think you have misunderstood or perhaps misJudged what I mean when I say to write things that are true based on the Philippians passage "whatever is true." I will try to clarify it. Truth is that which "really is" for all people all places all time. It is important to think truthfully. This is the basis of a mind at peace. This is the formula for a mind at peace (to think true thoughts then on down the list). If we begin with truth then we are able to address any situation we encounter using everything else in that list (right, lovely, good, honorable etc). Sometimes, truth may be that life is going very well, or at other times I am out of work and need a job and have no money. Truth leads me to see things as they actually are. If I were in an abusive controlling relationship, true thoughts lead me to see the relationship as it really is. So, I am not saying truth is always Jesus, so that is all you can write about. While Jesus said, I am the Truth the opposite does not hold true. Not all truth = Jesus. Some truth hurts or pardon the expression "sucks".
Therefore, as a Christian writer, whether that be for fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, biography, etc (all genre) my personal goal would be to begin with that which is true. That could be to describe what it means to be in an abusive relationship through a fiction setting. As a Christian I would want to show true situations that may be presented in a fictional setting that lead the reader to encounter truth and then learn how Christ relates to that truth. Since we live in a post modern post Christian era, I would want to lead the reader to the conclusion that Christ is the Truth - the Way, the Solution - for any given situation in any given time period for any given people.
This can be done in any genre. For instance Star Wars led you to the idea that there is a mystical Oneness Force neither good nor evil out there that you can tap into as a guiding force for your life. Is this true according to the true Message as revealed in the Bible? No. However, CS Lewis wrote "That Hideous Strength" as a means of projecting "a realistic description of what eventually happens when people make technology their lord instead of putting their faith and love to the service of the true Creator" (Phillip Johnson). I may have loved the story of Star Wars but it did not lead culture to the truth. I think Christians have a responsibility to lead thirsty souls to water not a mirage.
So my point when I say that I believe it is our call and duty as Christian writers to write about truth, I mean to begin with truth as your premise and then expand on it so that you do something meaningful with your words, that they have the potential to change lives for the Truth within our mostly pagan (worldly) culture. I have seen some Christian fiction writers do this. I think Francine Rivers has done a great job of this in some of her books, "Redeeming Love" (based on Hosea) being one of them.(Other times I think publishers were bleeding her turnip dry to get a third book out of a series). Publishers want to sell books. Authors want to write. My humble opinion is that both should utilize truth as their plumb line. It is true, as you pointed out Robyn, that fiction allows you to write whatever you want to write without restrictions, but My whole point is write from the basis of truth and write things that matter. There is so much that needs to be said to our lost and dying culture. Do you really want the summation of your life to be that you spun a good clean love story adventure over and over in a variety of different contexts, or do you want your life to speak truth about God to a generation that may not believe He exists? I think writers should say what truly needs to be said to our culture. Say what matters. Say it to make an impact on this generation for Jesus Christ. Say it in your books. I hope this will clear up my view for you and you won't judge me too harshly for it =)

Posted By: Chanda | June 9, 2011 5:52 PM

I agree with Andi on Julie Lessman's Daughters of Boston series. Julie's books also show young women not to trust their emotions - a huge, important lesson.
When I write Inspirational Romance, I try to:
-show what it's like to fall in love. In the busy-ness of changing diapers, driving carpools, taking out the trash, it's easy to lose the miracle of becoming one.
-show couples working together to solve problems. Husbands and wives aren't roommates, they're yoked together for a reason.
-show what God's love is all about - how a couple can live out the Song of Solomon and 1 Corinthians 13.
-show how growing closer to God can bring a couple closer.
I hope readers will resolve to try again, work it out, look for heroic qualities at home... and even enjoy becoming one again.

Posted By: Cathy Richmond | June 9, 2011 7:22 PM

I enjoyed the original article and all the comments. My main ministry is to Christian women who were sexually abused as children. This is intensive draining rewarding work. As part of my rebuilding and renewing myself, besides reading the Bible, I work on my flower gardens, ride horseback and enjoy Christian fiction. Every Christian romance I have read has made me more appreciative of and thankful for my husband of 33 years, and more aware of the fact that God is constantly at work in the life submitted to Him to make us more like Him. ANYTHING that causes a person to turn from God and center on something else - including flower gardens or Christian romance novels - is not good. Yet I think Romans 14 strongly applies here. If one person is "strong" and can enjoy meat or holidays or Christian novels and the Holy Spirit helps them determine it is okay for them, while another "weaker" person cannot, then we are told NOT to judge, but to unify as a body and accept the weaker and the stronger all as parts of the same body. Since the guidelines for this type of writing intend for authors to encourage women to better guide themselves and their families toward faith-driven lives, I personally include those novels as honorable and worth thinking on, as long as the Holy Spirit does not point out to an individual that they are a problem for that individual.

Posted By: Patricia | June 12, 2011 1:33 PM

I love what my pastor once told me--and I think it bears repeating here:

Anyone can make anything into sin at anytime!

Let's take a balloon for example--ballons are fun thing; shiny, colorful, perfectly innocent fun. But let's say that you've got a 'thing' for balloons to the point you're spending all your money on them, ignoring your family and friends just so you can worship at the altar of rubber and helium. Now that's wrong, that's sin--and if you can't handle playing with one balloon, then you should follow the verses in the Bible discussing the need to stay way from balloons in case they make you fall into sin.

Same thing goes for Christian romantic fiction--if you're one of those people who are likely to fall into disappointment due to reading a Christian romance novel, then by all means, DON'T READ IT.

But there are millions of men and women who find that Christian romance is not only entertaining, but feeds their soul, offering them a glimpse into other people's flaws and giving them hope in overcoming their own. It's like saying I can't have a glass of wine because someone else is an alcoholic. It doesn't make it wrong--it just makes it wrong for some people.

To just poo poo the entire genre because some people feel uneasy with their own weaknesses with romance books is ridiculous and makes light of the calling Christian writers are given. I wouldn't make light of any brother or sister in Christ calling and would hope that they would have the same repect for our sisters and brothers called to write Christian Romance for Him.

Posted By: Patty Smith Hall | June 12, 2011 2:34 PM

Personally, I have read many Christian romance novels and I find it hard to imagine how they could make a Christian woman dissatisfied with her husband. In fact, they often have the opposite effect on me.

I feel that this all stems from legalism. One could say that you should never do anything that entertains. You shouldn't watch movies. Or you should only watch G- and PG-rated movies. You should never read a secular novel. All of these things are man-made rules and do not please God.

Posted By: Melanie | June 12, 2011 4:49 PM

I love God. I love writing. I love blending the two.

I love that Jesus was a storyteller. Remember how Madeleine L'Engle quoted her friend: "Jesus was not a theologian. He was God who told stories."

I love that Jesus wraps his arms lovingly around the sinner. Simply. Directly. I love that writing books allows me to show that love. Simply. Directly.

Women are blessed to be emotionally driven. In this way we create a balance for men. And that balance is not always easily attained.

But those intrinsic differences are what bind us together through God's love. His peace. His hope. The thought of shaking a finger at someone who writes or reads romance novels, especially targeting Christian romance novels, amazes me because...

They're good. Clean. Lovely, in most cases. Thought-provoking. Some are deep. Some are funny. And I wonder if the niggling thought behind this is because they are mostly penned by women. Women who (just thinking out loud here) should be in the kitchen.

Hmm.

Interesting thought.

My talent is from God. It is a blessing. And I don't demean the hairdresser who gets paid for using her gift of vision and texture to cleverly cut hair or do an up-do for a nervous bride. Or the teacher whose gift of patience gently takes an autistic child and teaches him to tie his shoes and use a spoon properly without throwing it. Or the shop clerk whose gift of order helps her to keep an organized women's section. Or the minister whose art of story-telling augments his homilies and helps them to strike home with the congregation. They all receive compensation for a job well done, part of our free-market capitalistic society. So why is it bad that publishers want to sell books and remain in business and authors want to write books? That just makes perfect sense to me.

Many gifts. Many talents. I've always thought it more sinful to waste God's gifts. How many people hunger to pen a line? Draw a picture? Play the piano with fingers so quick and light that they virtually touch the heart. The soul.

I thank God for my gift. I love to make people laugh. To make them cry. To make them think. And I love to see women's hearts and souls open up to a God who is forgiving, all-seeing, and has a righteous sense of humor.

Oh, that God!!!

Posted By: Ruth Logan Herne | June 13, 2011 4:12 AM

I think the author of the post has just made a beautiful call for a new genre: Christian Porn. It will be lovely, because it won't degrade women. It will be righteous, as it won't tempt men to lust. It will drive men to seek that fulfillment in their wives that God intended.

"Pornography" is such a dirty word, so we will have to find a new one, something that equates to "enjoying the beauty of God's creation" while looking at other women's pictures. We can cover up the more titillating parts, I suppose, so it will be "christian" pornography. And when it's a movie, the women can all say Bible verses.

Simply put: romance"enjoying the beauty of God's creation" is lovely, among other things — or at least can be. Romance"Enjoying the beauty of God's creation" can and does get corrupted in our fallen world, but even God uses romance"enjoying the beauty of God's creation" in his Word as an image to help us understand his love for us and what our love for him might be.

Pardon the sarcasm, but if you allow for "christian romance" to be a valid replacement for "secular romance", shouldn't you also at least consider "christian pornography" as a replacement for "secular pornography"? Let's make sure we compare apples with apples.

Posted By: jeff | June 13, 2011 2:55 PM

eh? I guess the html tags don't always work. The previous post was supposed to have "romance" struck through 3x in the third paragraph.

Posted By: jeff | June 13, 2011 2:58 PM

Patricia - Wow, I was really moved and inspired by your comment. God bless you and the work you do!

Posted By: Anne | June 17, 2011 2:35 PM

A novel is fictional meaning not real. If women allow their real-life views on marriage and men to be shaped by romance books and not by true real world experiences then they probably shouldn't have gotten married in the first place.

Posted By: Cody Vawter | July 8, 2011 4:50 PM

Thank you, Caryn, for your bold opinions so well expressed!

I love what @Ruth Logan Herne said in her comment.

I also appreciate all the comments which point to a person's individual vulnerabilities regarding any of these things-- alcohol, movies, television and the like. Know thyself-- you are responsible for you.

A beautifully written story which illustrates God-honoring love between two people is good. All the criticisms sound like legalistic hogwash to me.

Posted By: Shari Dragovich | August 3, 2011 3:39 PM

Is it Beowulf or Beowolf?

I don't read romance novels, Christian or otherwise. I've tried both from time to time over the years, but they're generally so poorly written that I can't get through the first few chapters. I'd have to turn my brain off to keep reading those things. And I think that's what a lot of women do.

Posted By: Nora | August 4, 2011 8:04 AM

I don't think it's a safe assumption that all Christian women read Christian romances. I've read a few Christian romances and they can be just titillating as secular books. The problem is not always with married women reading them, but young, impressionable girls.

Most Christian romance novels are formulaic and fluffy.

Posted By: Kim Shay | August 4, 2011 8:14 AM

Um...yeah.

there are "Christian" romance novels and romance novels that are full of rape, sex, forced marriage, and romanticizing criminal activity.

There is no "Christian porn."

If a man looks at any picture, whether it's "porn" or not, and idealizes that look, at the expense of his marriage...that's sin.

if a woman reads a novel, whether it's "Christian" or not, and idealizes that relationship, at the expense of her marriage...that's sin.

I've called "historical romances" - woman porn - for a long time. And I won't stop.

Many men don't use porn because it's so sexy - a lot of men use porn because there is something missing from their marriage - acceptance.

Many women don't use "woman porn" because it's so "romantic" - they use it because there is something missing from their marriage.

Note that this is NOT universal - but please don't assume that all romance novels are "Christian" and that all women are reading them for the same reason.

Posted By: MzEllen | August 4, 2011 9:13 AM

Wow... those guidelines for the Christian romance novels published by at least one of the publishers an earlier commenter noted seem a little overly prescriptive - and also seem to be mean they shouldn't - if following their guidelines - published a number of sections of the Bible for example.

e.g. "In a Heartsong Presents title, activities like dancing (including square dancing) and betting (including bingo) should not take place on church property or with the support of respected church leaders." Betting maybe, but dancing? (The guidelines later suggest that dancing in a historical setting might at least be OK, but need they really ensure that it not involve "the support of respected church leaders"?)

On a somewhat amusing note, the Song of Solomon (8:2) seems to fail to meet their guidelines.

And then there's "while they need not be “saints,” their actions must be consistent with Christian teaching." The Bible isn't exactly shy about describing actions inconsistent with Christian teaching - David and Bathsheba to name but one. Where are the flawed characters - say the Peter who denies Christ three times?

Posted By: Dave | August 4, 2011 6:18 PM

Whether visual or emotional fantasy, the true issue isn't the fantasy. It is possible the fantasies could be reality, and if they are fulfilled in a Godly fashion, then there is nothing wrong with the fantasies. Expectation based on these fantasies are not problems either, because if we take for granted that they are fulfilled or take for granted they cannot be fulfilled, it is not possible to draw any direct spiritually negative consequence from the lack of a natural fulfillment. The only spiritually negative consequence that can be drawn from such scenarios are those which result from fulfilling x expectation or desire through the entertainment of y sinful behavior as described by Scripture. For a Christian man or woman to have a spouse who satisfies or fails to satisfy their natural needs has little to do with the core issue. The only true issue is the sinful consequences of desiring something which is outside of God's moral boundaries, which both physical and emotional forms of pornography can evoke. The physical or emotional object must be lusted after for sin or pornographic qualities to be attributed to the said object.

This line of reasoning should lead one to conclude that a truly Christian romance novel should never be referred to as emotional porn, because it the romance is not directly evoking unlawful sexual fulfillment, regardless of how romantic or detached from reality.

I must add this is a sneaky subject, because many forms of romantic expression easily lead to physical contact which can then be placed on a spectrum of physical expression leading to sexual activity. Each individual must watch for where the romance leads. That romance and sexuality are connected cannot be ignored; however, the emotions stemming from romance which have not sexual connotations or associations cannot rightly be referred to as pornographic regardless of the amount of excess.

Posted By: evgmontalvo | November 26, 2011 1:53 AM

OMG can we talk, can we talk a la Joan Rivers
I live in a "Christian" community where Christians pastors are counseled about Divorce, marriage problems. Most of the tenants are "Very Christian" and try to convert you. Just today I went to the Bingo Room and today found tons of "Romance Novels- Harlequin Novels" FREE for anyone that wanted 'em. A lot of them were from Walmart $3.79 each etc. The place is for Seniors over 55 (I'm Male and 65) and ambulances and med services come through weekly. I digress.

Americans are THE most inhibited people on the face of the earth. There is NOTHING wrong with getting horny. I brought a bunch home and boy was it erotic. Nancy Friday, eat your heart out. This'd make a sailor blush. I got quite turned on and I'm sure the woman who dumped these here used her sex toys quite a bit (I'm surprised she didn't bring those too and leave them there, maybe she already did and “horny” old ladies scooped them up but wouldn't be caught dead going to an Adult bookstore!)

Women, wake up, YOU TOO GET HORNY, in fact even hornier then men I dare say! The modern female likes to adore men just as much as we "look over" a male. Mae West put it best "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just glad to see me"

Nowadays, Sex is rampant (and I think its a HUGE POSITIVE and not a negative!!!) Its all over the place ONLINE and every sexual fantasy can be brought alive, and again.. SEX IS NOT SIN! It's NOT Dirty!!! If it weren't for your parents having "SEX" (dare I've said it) you wouldn't be around to reading this...duh

There is NOW a phenomena known as CFNM (Clothed Females Naked Males) and these women, young and OLD do to these Naked Male strippers what any male visiting a Female Strip Joint wouldn't be caught dead doing. This was inspired by the movie "THE FULL MONTY" from the UK and a website called LoverBoysUSA.com although it says USA originated this CFNM thing.

So WOMEN do NOT be a hypocrite and say "ALL YOU MEN WANT IS ONE THING" You females are worse than animals. The females from The Czech Republic take it even further. PartyHardcore.com and now its even in the USA (in Florida, GrannyLand?) DancingBear.com

Wake up and smell the Roses Women and now that you're horny GO OUT AND ASK MEN FOR A DATE, PAY FOR THE DATE, DRIVE THEM TO THE DATE, UNDO THE FIRST BUTTON, CARESS THE FIRST PRIVATE PART, TAKE THE FIRST KISS.

Taking the initiative is NOT A MALE PRIVILEGE, its a huge huge burden.

So bottom line (excuse the pun, or should we say fun) is go ahead and read these "horny Harlequin Romance Novels" and I don't like the word PORNO instead call it delicious yummi erotica.

Wake up, for God's sake.

I've read most of the comments.

Yes these books are read by frustrated females so don't slink into a Walmart or read "GUNSMITH" from your Public Library, instead pick up guys, and pay for the date, especially if you're working and the guy you adore isn't....duh..

nuff said!!!

Posted By: artashes2 | March 2, 2012 11:39 PM

The modern female likes to adore men just as much as we "look over" a male.
I meant to write "as much as we "look over" a female. I happen to be a flamin' heterosexual, and NOT gay

Posted By: artashes2 | March 2, 2012 11:44 PM

As a woman who has read Harlequin and Christian romance. I must truly emphasize the difference and plead with everyone to know how damaging the Harlequin novels are. While I agree that Christian romance is most definitely not porn - though I am sure that for some, it can effect expectations - Harlequin novels might as well be. Authors can be very descriptive and our minds are fairly creative. There is no difference between a photograph and a depiction.

God is very clear about keeping our thoughts on pure and upright things. That was an excellent verse to use. Harlequin novels exploit what God created to be special between a husband and a wife. God bless Christian romance novels that describe what God created love to be like!!

But there is something to be said for "not causing our neighbors to stumble." If a friend is feels that she shouldn't even read Christian Romance because she feels that it causes her to sin, no one should try and convince her otherwise.

Posted By: Emma | May 21, 2012 10:47 PM

Post a comment:

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember Me?

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

Verification (needed to reduce spam):

Ian and Larissa: A Story of Choosing the Hard, Good Road

For the Love of Pinterest? A Her.meneutics Hangout with Rachel Held Evans, Sarah Bessey, & More

When Our Sexual Stories Go Off the Christian Map

How to Smartly Engage with the Young Doubters in Your Midst

Time’s Breast-Feeding Cover Adds Fuel to the Mommy Wars

I'm Not Julia: Why Obama's American Woman Doesn't Speak for Me

Mourning with Those Who Mourn on Mother’s Day

How Mother’s Day Hype Can Ruin Your Mother’s Day

Death to the Perfect Christian Woman

Amazing Grace, How Slow the Work: Why We Still Have Slaves